Raul Licon Jr., 38, of San Marcos, is charged with six counts, including a lewd act on a child 14 or 15 years old, sodomy and oral copulation. If convicted, he faces a possible sentence of up to six years and four months in prison.

Vista Superior Court Judge Marshall Hockett allowed Licon to remain out of jail on a $250,000 bond. The judge issued an order protecting the alleged victim — a teenage boy — meaning Licon is barred from having any contact with him.

Deputy District Attorney Matthew Greco said outside the courtroom that Licon is accused of conduct that occurred between September 2009 and September of last year.

Defense lawyer Rick Layon said the accusations against his client are “spurious at best,” and that the minor became disgruntled after he and Licon had an argument. The attorney said the allegations have “weighed on (Licon) heavily,” but that he plans to clear his name.

Licon appeared in the courtroom Thursday accompanied by about 20 supporters. He has been suspended without pay from the Barona Fire Protection District while the case is pending, a tribal official said.